That's what I did.
Replacing A/C Compressor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
Replacing A/C Compressor
My car has given me the sign that I will be replacing the A/C compressor very soon (big puddle of oil on the floor) so I've started to look for the parts that I'm going to need and everyone is telling me that I can no longer get an original GM compressor. I really hate the idea of putting 3rd party parts (chinese junk) on my car so what I'm looking for is does anyone have a recommendation for what is the best of these compressors to use. Or if someone knows where I might be able to source a new AC Delco part I would really appreciate them letting me know. I'm not looking forward to this job but it's already 110 here in Phoenix so I gotta get er done. Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 125
Likes: 73
From: Alexandria VA
I used a NAPA remanufactured OEM compressor. I didn't want to spend the money on a new OEM piece, if I could find one. Mounted up to my brackets and hoses perfectly, and came with a good warranty.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,453
Likes: 1,158
From: Dyer, IN
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 185
Likes: 43
From: Raleigh
I did the four seasons from rockauto too, no problems. It's been almost 4 years now. If your current compressor is totally shot, it could have contaminated the system. Contamination can lead to an early death of whatever replacement compressor you choose. You'll want to change the orifice tube and accumulator too. Given the age of these cars, you might want to replace the condenser while the system is depressurized.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
This supplier shows one OEM compressor, accumulator, orifice tube package in stock. The build date code of the compressor is probably 2003 or 2004 if it is left over OEM.
After completing the oil balance with the OEM compressor, be sure to turn it over by hand for a bit because its been sitting on a shelf for 20+ years.
After completing the oil balance with the OEM compressor, be sure to turn it over by hand for a bit because its been sitting on a shelf for 20+ years.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
This supplier shows one OEM compressor, accumulator, orifice tube package in stock. The build date code of the compressor is probably 2003 or 2004 if it is left over OEM.
After completing the oil balance with the OEM compressor, be sure to turn it over by hand for a bit because its been sitting on a shelf for 20+ years.
After completing the oil balance with the OEM compressor, be sure to turn it over by hand for a bit because its been sitting on a shelf for 20+ years.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
I did the four seasons from rockauto too, no problems. It's been almost 4 years now. If your current compressor is totally shot, it could have contaminated the system. Contamination can lead to an early death of whatever replacement compressor you choose. You'll want to change the orifice tube and accumulator too. Given the age of these cars, you might want to replace the condenser while the system is depressurized.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
SMCAUTOPARTS.com
Sorry, forgot to paste the link:
https://www.smcautoparts.com/AC-Comp...58a-aax017.htm
Sorry, forgot to paste the link:
https://www.smcautoparts.com/AC-Comp...58a-aax017.htm
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 194
Likes: 121
Based on what you’ve described it sounds like one or more of the seals on your compressor have failed and not necessarily the compressor itself which I leaned is a very common problem on the C5. My car was low mileage (25k miles) when this happed so I believed the compressor itself had a lot more life left. If you have a lot of mileage and use on your compressor then it may be worth replacing rather than rebuilding with new seals.
Otherwise, if you have time and are feeling adventurous you can disassemble and reassemble your compressor with new seals, and save a lot of money. Did this on my 2000. Linked below is a thread where I posted the info for the seal and o ring kits.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-optimal.html
Otherwise, if you have time and are feeling adventurous you can disassemble and reassemble your compressor with new seals, and save a lot of money. Did this on my 2000. Linked below is a thread where I posted the info for the seal and o ring kits.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-optimal.html
Last edited by Midwest19942000; Jun 27, 2025 at 04:43 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
Based on what you’ve described it sounds like one or more of the seals on your compressor have failed and not necessarily the compressor itself which I leaned is a very common problem on the C5. My car was low mileage (25k miles) when this happed so I believed the compressor itself had a lot more life left. If you have a lot of mileage and use on your compressor then it may be worth replacing rather than rebuilding with new seals.
Otherwise, if you have time and are feeling adventurous you can disassemble and reassemble your compressor with new seals, and save a lot of money. Did this on my 2000. Linked below is a thread where I posted the info for the seal and o ring kits.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-optimal.html
Otherwise, if you have time and are feeling adventurous you can disassemble and reassemble your compressor with new seals, and save a lot of money. Did this on my 2000. Linked below is a thread where I posted the info for the seal and o ring kits.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-optimal.html
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
My car has given me the sign that I will be replacing the A/C compressor very soon (big puddle of oil on the floor) so I've started to look for the parts that I'm going to need and everyone is telling me that I can no longer get an original GM compressor. I really hate the idea of putting 3rd party parts (chinese junk) on my car so what I'm looking for is does anyone have a recommendation for what is the best of these compressors to use. Or if someone knows where I might be able to source a new AC Delco part I would really appreciate them letting me know. I'm not looking forward to this job but it's already 110 here in Phoenix so I gotta get er done. Thanks
Specialized tools needed to:
Remove and install the clutch
Remove and install the pulley
Protect the lip seal on reassembly
If the compressor body oring joints are the leak, corrosion working its way under the oring is a common cause for leak. You will need to carefully remove the corrosion and smooth the sealing surface.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
If you found a puddle of compressor oil under your car, then you have a gross leak. I assume your a/c no longer works because the oil typically is carried out of the compressor by leaking refrigerant. There are multiple possible leak paths. So, if you plan to rebuild your compressor, it will be helpful to know where the leak is before beginning.
Specialized tools needed to:
Remove and install the clutch
Remove and install the pulley
Protect the lip seal on reassembly
If the compressor body oring joints are the leak, corrosion working its way under the oring is a common cause for leak. You will need to carefully remove the corrosion and smooth the sealing surface.
Specialized tools needed to:
Remove and install the clutch
Remove and install the pulley
Protect the lip seal on reassembly
If the compressor body oring joints are the leak, corrosion working its way under the oring is a common cause for leak. You will need to carefully remove the corrosion and smooth the sealing surface.